UNDER AFRICAN SKIES BLOGPOST (ENG)

 

Kenya, one of the countries on top of my bucket list. Not only because of its beautiful nature, wildlife, landscapes, pearly beaches and blue sea, but also because of my personal link with this country: the place where I was born. My mother moved to Nairobi with my two sisters, while my father was working in South-Sudan. After postponing it for 25 years, I felt that the time had finally come to go back and discover my roots, this time with my own family.

Together with my husband we started planning this adventure with kids. When we told my parents in law, we saw stars in their eyes. We asked the obvious question: “Would you like to join?”.’ Lets say it didn’t take them long to reply with a big “YES!”. Finn, my oldest son refers to his grandparents as Bibi andBabu, which is Swahili for grandpa and grandma. Africa was somewhat a dream for them, but an adventure they would never dare to undertake by themselves. So this was a perfect match: they would experience an adventurous trip, together with their grandchildren and children. For us it was a win-win situation as well, because they have such a beautiful bond with their grandchildren and they are a huge help for us. 

But how do you plan a road trip in Kenya? We knew what we wanted to see. We have travelled around the world together with the kids, road trips as well, but this was different. We don’t like to plan our trips with travel agencies, because we like to keep it adventurous, spontaneous and free. But here we could use a little help. After some research we found Charlies Travels Africa. They helped planning our road trip completely off the beaten track, exactly the way we like it. All that was left for us to do was getting injections for ourselves and the kids and packing suitcases. Kenya here we come!

What to take when you travel to Kenya with kids? (list below)

First Stop: Nairobi

We decided to make a road trip and start in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. We would drive 2.000 km, take one domestic flight, two days on a motorcycle and the ferry in Mombasa. We flew from Schiphol international Airport with KLM around noon. The kids slept 4 out of 7 and a half hours, so the flight was the perfect start for us. We landed around 9pm (2 hours later than Belgium). Henri the driver, who was going to join us during our road trip, awaited us at the airport and brought us to our hotel, ready to hit the hay. Hello lovely temperatures!

Dancing with the Masai

The next morning my parents-in-law landed in Nairobi. After a refreshing jump in the pool, we were ready to drive to our first stop: Amboseli. Henri drove us through the most beautiful landscapes. We saw giraffes, zebras and monkeys in the wild, while driving to Killi Springs Camp. A lovely Masai family awaited us with drinks and refreshment towels. They made us dinner, tea and a bonfire under the stars. We immediately felt the warmth and the love of the people in Kenya, and so did the kids. The kids felt at home anywhere we went. 

The next morning, we woke up early. At 5.30 am we started exploring the wildlife in Amboseli on motorbikes. Yes motorbikes with kids! “Are you out of your mind!?” somebody asked me. Well, we decided to give it a try, and guess what, it was the best experience ever! We put the boys in between the driver and us, in a baby carrier, so they felt safe close to us. Sun fell asleep the moment we left. So it was great for us to take the boys along, and for the kids to experience the wildlife so close together. 

We visited a Masai village in Amboseli. We got a great welcome with dancing, singing and a little fire. While the boys went out to play with the kids from the Masai village, we got a little tour in the village to see a Masai hut from the inside and some explanation about their way of living. After we bought some jewellery in the local market, we were ready to head back to the Kili Springs Camp, when I saw some tears of happiness glistening in the corners of Bibi and Babu’s eyes. The whole safari left them and us speechless.

Taita Hills: Asia in Africa

Ready for our next destination: Taita Hills. Charlies Travels advised us to visit this place referred to as ‘Asia in Africa’. While driving, we saw the landscape change into green hills in the clouds. Abel, a local guide took us to a lovely hotel: Taita Rocks.I didn’t know African landscapes were this diverse. After a little snack at the hotel, Abel took us to his favourite spot: a one-hour hike up the hills, along with the boys. We slipped while hiking up on our best hiking shoes, while local kids joined us along the hike, on slippers, even bare foot. We laughed together, Abel took Finn on his shoulders and Sun enjoyed the hike in the baby carrier. Once we got up we saw the most beautiful view over Taita Hills at 1.800 metres. 

The best chapattis from Mama Rose

The next morning Abel joined us on a motor tour through Taita Hills. We drove through the clouds and were invited by Mama Rose, up in the hills. A strong woman, who raised three sons and even more grandchildren on her own. She invited us to make lunch together with her beautiful family. Her daughter-in-law, Linda taught me how to make chapattis (kind of pancake). We enjoyed a lovely lunch, her son showed us around on their farm and the boys played together with her grandchildren. They took such good care of our family. We were so thankful for these beautiful moments together. After the dishes together, traditional African way, we were ready to drive back to our hotel. Abel took us to the local market, where we enjoyed the sweetest mangos, pineapples and biggest avocados I ever had. Fruits will never taste the same again in Belgium. The next morning we headed to our next destination, where we would celebrate Christmas’ Eve. 

Ellies and lions for Christmas

We drove from the hills to the most extensivesavannah. Henri drove us all the way up Lion’s Buff at Lumo. This time Bibi had to fight her tears. We slept in charming huts with a view over Lumo. We spotted at least 20 ellies, buffalos and giraffes, goosebumps all over, again! A cook made us a little lunch and we enjoyed some tea. Around 4pm we were ready for our second safari by jeep. A ranger drove us through Lumo, where we saw thrilling wildlife. We were very curious if we would see a lion, but we were not expecting much because of the long grass. We knew it would be rare to see any, while they are resting in the grass. Right before sunset, out of nowhere a lioness, looking for food for her three cubs, jumped in front of our jeep! A once in a lifetime moment we’ll never forget. We sang ‘In The Jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight’while the sun was going down, We had dinner at a bonfire, while admiring a little act from the cook and the Masai guard, ready for the night.

The next morning, we were treated to a wonderful surprise Christmas breakfast between the ellies under the trees. What a dream!

Christmas on the beach: Diani

Ready for Diani beach. A 4-hour drive to the coast, while taking some rest in the jeep. Henri was the best driver we could ask for. Finding his way through mud pools and wholes in the road. We had car seats for the boys, so they could sleep safely. We felt the temperatures rising as we arrived at Diani Beach. We rented a house from friends who have been living there for 7 years now. We enjoyed ivory white beaches, fresh seafood, camels on the beach, beach boys selling coconuts, jewellery and souvenirs, lovely beach bars and a great atmosphere. The perfect mix to enjoy some family time together.

Our favourite hotpots in Diani Beach:

  • African Oasis Beach Bar: our favorite place to enjoy lunch, cocktails and live music

  • Nomad: lunch

  • Barbour’s Cave: a romantic dinner in one of the most dazzling restaurants in a cave

  • Tiki: cocktail bar

  • Fisherman: order fresh fish and get it delivered to you. We had delicious lobster!

We enjoyed Christmas together, endless beach walks, going to the market, daily rides on a tuk-tuk, while the sun bronzed our skin. 

Mombasa: culinary explosion 

We wanted to discover Mombasa, so Charlies Travels arranged us a local guide: Hawa. A lovely lady, born and raised in Mombasa, passionate about food and history showed us around this vibrant city. We took the ferry to cross the water to Mombasa. A two-hour drive from Diani. Amazing to see so many people crossing the water by foot to work in Mombasa (free to take the ferry for pedestrians) and by car. We arrived at Mombassa, ready to eat! So Hawa took us to a local place for two different kinds of pilau. A local rice dish with lamb, spices and bananas[VJ3] . We discovered the best manioc chips, grilled sweet potatoes, samosas and falafel. We visited the local market where we got overwhelmed by spices, fruits, nuts, veggies, smells, colours and lovely people. We insisted to discover ‘local’ food, so Hawa took us to authentic places and we had a blast. We drove under the Ivory Tusks, a landmark to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Mombasa in 1952 and the end of the ivory trade. We ended our tour with chai and Arabian coffee with a view over the sea. Finn had a natural lemonade made of sugarcane as we ended this lovely tour in this colourful city. Mombasa is nothing like we’ve seen before, but I can really recommend visiting. It has such a rich history, so many different influences and the best food to discover. 

Out of Africa

We were convinced we had seen all the beauty Kenya had to offer, but we were wrong. The best was yet to come. We enjoyed our last moments at the beach, before heading to our next destination: Naivasha. We took a domestic flight in Mombasa, back to Nairobi, where Henri awaited us at the airport. The flight with kids was so easy and only took us 40 minutes. A two-hour drive took us to a wonderful place at Lake Naivasha, where you can spot hippos floating around. We slept in cabins near the lake at Camp Carnelley’s with the most wonderful sunrise, waking up to birds and monkeys at 5.30 am. We had the best food at the bar and a great New Years’ Eve. We drove to Crescent Island, where the movie Out Of Africawas filmed. A dreamy location, where we walked between zebras, giraffes, pelicans and gnus. The Lion King is based on this location as well, so it was a dream come true for our two boys to see this amazing landscape in real life. We sang the Circle Of Lifewhile walking back to our jeep. We enjoyed the hippos from the scaffold at Lake Naivasha, took a boat trip with a local to spot four different hippo families nearbyand enjoyed the volcanic landscape from the other side of the water. 

Back to my roots

This trip has been the most amazing time for me personally. It was the perfect mix between nature, adventure, mountains, beach, family time, wildlife and an intense experience for me. The last day Henri brought us to the exact address where I was born in Nairobi. The people taking care of the place were so friendly and offered us a room to freshen up and take a rest with the kids, free of charge (the hospitality everywhere we went in Kenya was heart-warming). We explored the neighbourhood where I spent my first years on earth, took a walk in Central Park and enjoyed New Year together on our final day. We flew back home at midnight, full of sweet memories, taking it all in. Hakuna Matata, living in the moment, pole pole, take it easy, love, kindness, warmth, asante sana Kenya. 

Want to see more pictures of this beautiful trip? Check out Photo Album - Kenya

What to take when you travel to Kenya with kids?

  • Ergo Baby carrier (when they get tired)

  • Ergo Baby Metro Stroller (you can put it in a backpack, easy to take along)

  • Backpack 

  • Bottles for milk

  • Milkpowder for kids, enough for the whole trip

  • Baby biscuits

  • Baby fruitpacks

  • Waterwipes (lifesaver, not only for the baby bums, but for cleaning up after a dusty day. I even used it wash my face before bedtime)

  • Swimwear

  • Pyjamas

  • Long, light clothing (linen), to keep them safe from the sun and insects

  •  Short clothing

  • Sun hat and lycra when going to the beach

  • Pacifiers together with their favorite toy

  • We took an iPad along and downloaded their favourite cartoons 

  • Clothes to get dirty! Because they really got dirty

  • Zazu Kids nightlamp, Finn has Gina the giraffe. Perfect for the African nights under the stars (most of the time there was no outside lighting, as we are used to in Belgium, so it gets really dark after sunset)

  • Buff scarf for us as well for the kids (motor rides, dust and insects)

  • Shoes with a strong grip, for long walks

  • Sunglasses (Izipizi for kids)

  • Sandals (water sandals optional)

  • Sea-Bands (acupressure wrist bands to relieve nausea)

  • To start with, we got our injections for Hepatitis A, B, Yellow Fever and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis)
    Consult ITG

  • Malaria pills (yes the kids had to take them too. Finn was no problem, but for Sun, we had to ‘hide’ it in his food/milk everyday)

  • Pill cutter (you can find this in the pharmacy), to cut the malaria pills into quarters for the kids

  • Mosquito stickers 

  • Mosquito spray kidsproof

  • Repellent cream for insects, kidsproof

  • Antibiotics, just in case someone gets sick

  • Pain killers for kids (Nurofen + Perdolan)

  • Sun block +50, kidsproof

  • Mosquito net (we didn’t use any, but just in case)

  •  International plugs

 

 













 
Lieve Vandenweghe